Sir Keir backs protests over Bill
SIR Keir Starmer voiced his support for Bristol’s Kill the Bill movement, claiming the government has “completely lost its priorities” with the controversial proposal.
Speaking while on the campaign trail in Bristol with Mayor Marvin Rees yesterday, the Labour Party leader said people are right to stand up against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
But he criticised the violence that erupted during the city’s March 21 protest, which descended into rioting.
Sir Keir said: “You have a 300-page bill that said lots of things about 10-year sentences for those who damage statues or a memorial, and said nothing about protecting women and girls.
“If ever there was an example of a government that has completely lost its priorities, that bill is it.
“I have no concern about anybody speaking up or protesting about that bill in the slightest – people should speak up against the bill, because the bill is wrong.
“But I will never accept the link between that and violence.”
He said the Bill was an opportunity to crack down on violence against women and girls, which has particularly hit home in the wake of the death of Sarah Everard.
But he said that was no excuse for violence during the rioting: “When anybody resorts to burning a police van, or attacking a police station, [they are] incapable of justifying those actions – there’s no debate to be had.
“There is no link to being against the Bill and exercising freedom of protest, and burning a police van. There is no link and that’s why I said straight away that it was unjustified, and I absolutely stand by that.”
Asked about the allegations of police using unnecessary force to disperse protesters, he said it is right for police to review any such incidents and ensure they are operating to high standards.
He added: “I’ve been pleased to see that the more recent protests have been much more peaceful and the relationship between the police and community is something the chief constable has been working hard to build.”
Sir Keir joined Mr Rees on the campaign trail, endorsing him for reelection come May 6.
They visited the under-construction Boat Yard housing site near Totterdown Bridge, as well as locations in Easton and Southville.
Mr Rees said: “It’s been a badge of pride for me as Mayor of Bristol to look at what’s been a very challenging year – particularly when you look at the Colston statue – and being able to join forums with mayors around the world and look at how we came through that without the city descending into chaos.
“When people engaged in violence, they took that from us as a city. We were setting a global standard, and they took that from us.
“We support people raising their voices, it’s part of Bristol’s heritage and part of the offering we’ve made to the country, for decades.”
Mr Rees will contest the local election against other mayoral candidates including the Green Party’s Sandy Hore-Ruthven, Liberal Democrat’s Caroline Gooch, Independent John Langley and Conservative hopeful Alastair Watson.
The bill is wrong... but I will never accept the link between that and violence SIR KEIR STARMER